Essay Test Items

Essay Test Items

1. Consists of a small number of questions to which the student is expected to recall and organize knowledge in logical, integrated answers.

   • It tests: Analysis, critical thinking, judgement, writing and vocabulary

2. Suggestions for teachers

   • Formulate the question so the task is clearly defined for the student
   • Pay attention to the number of items
   • Avoid the use of optional questions
   • Choose a scoring model
   • Prepare students to take essay exams

3. Process in grading

   • Step 1: Figure out the purpose
   • Step 2: Overview a percentage of the papers to get an overall sense of the quality
   • Step 3: Use pencil on your first run through
   • Step 4: Interactive grading poses questions and presents problems the student needs to resolve

4. Suggestions for the students

   • Organize your thoughts first
   • Paraphrase the original question to form your introductory statement
   • Neatness counts
   • Use the principles of good english composition